New Grad Resume

Help! Currently writing my resume for my first job as a nurse. I don't really have any background in the health care field other than being a receptionist at a nursing home and working at an assisted living as a server. I am currently a server at a sushi restaurant right now.

Should I include all that in my resume? I understand I can put things like

Efficient in multitasking and using my time wisely

Able to communicate well with customers and co-workers always in a respective manner

Competent in working with others as well as an individual especially in fast paced situations

But does that all matter? And is it okay to have 2 pages for my resume? Also, should I include a skills section?

Second, honestly, as a hiring manager, I have to admit that I really don't pay a lot of attention to what's on a new grad's resume, other than spelling and grammar, and seeing longevity at the jobs you HAVE held. If I see you list two jobs in food service, but you've worked at both jobs for 2 1/2 years each, I'm going to be more impressed with that, compared to working as a CNA at multiple places and you've only stayed a few months before moving on.

No, don't include a skills section - as a new grad, I don't expect you to come to the job with any skills. Unless you have an unusual skill that will aid you as an RN. All new grads typically start with the same entry level skills.

Jul 18

Joined: Jul '18; Posts: 11; Likes: 20

If I can't fit it all on one page, is it okay to make the font size 10? Also, should I include a reference list?

Jul 18

Joined: Apr '03; Posts: 13,253; Likes: 37,849

If it can't fit on one page, then you need to remove stuff.

No on the reference list.

Jul 18

Joined: Feb '17; Posts: 233; Likes: 511

Agree with the first poster. As a new grad I put on my jobs, but didn't wrote much about them as they where in retail. Looked good though that I worked threw nursing school and could hold down a job.

I also had a small section on my clinical placements, which I included tasks I was doing instead of a skills section.

Also make sure you cv is personalised to the job your applying to. Make sure they know you want this job, and not just any job.

Good luck!

Jul 18

Joined: Jul '18; Posts: 11; Likes: 20

Also, I am still awaiting for my NCLEX results to come in the mail to get my license, how should I put that on my resume?

Is it okay that I put it like this under the Certifications & Licenses section:

Registered Nurse (Passed NCLEX July 6, 2018)

Jul 18

Joined: Apr '03; Posts: 13,253; Likes: 37,849

Do you know for sure you passed the NCLEX? Do you have a license number?

Jul 18

Joined: Jul '18; Posts: 11; Likes: 20

I just have my unofficial results from pearson and on the continental testing services, it also states that I passed. It's only been 2 weeks since I took the NCLEX, but I want to start looking for a job now. A lot of my classmates found a job before receiving their license number.

Jul 18

Joined: Jun '18; Posts: 102; Likes: 239

You may want to include a section for your education (degree received) from your university/school of nursing. In the future you can add to this section education and certifications.

Jul 19

From:
WI,
US
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Joined: Apr '10; Posts: 1,392; Likes: 5,142

I would only put clinical rotation sites if it's pertinent to the position you're applying for. Otherwise, people assume new grads have more or less the same clinical experience. That would save some room for 1 page.

Also you don't have to list every job on the resume. Just the ones that may be pertinent or you want to highlight for other reasons (longevity, leadership, etc.) That may also save you some space.

Remember, being succinct is a communication skill.

Jul 19

Joined: May '03; Posts: 1,391; Likes: 4,937

I'm just posting this link here because the OP, and any other new grads, may find this useful. It's a guide to writing your nurse resume:

Also, I am still awaiting for my NCLEX results to come in the mail to get my license, how should I put that on my resume?

Is it okay that I put it like this under the Certifications & Licenses section:

Registered Nurse (Passed NCLEX July 6, 2018)

I do believe you cannot put Registered Nurse until you actually have a license as you aren't a RN until the license has been granted.

Jul 19

Joined: Jan '18; Posts: 7; Likes: 9

Nurse Beth's book "Your Last Nursing Class: How to Land Your First Nursing Job" really helped me in perfecting my resume. It also talks about cover letters and how to prepare for an interview. I owe a lot of my success as a new grad receiving an offer for my dream job to her book! Good luck with this exciting process!